Copyright 2010 Parentcare 101: Caring for Aging Parents. All Rights Reserved.
Core Eldercare Organizations
Organizations That Support You While Caring for Aging Parents
Resources Verified on 01/07/2010
There are many associations, societies and agencies which provide information on senior services, caregiving, and living independently. Caregivers often ask me, "Where is the best place to start?" Here are my favorites for gathering information.
Getting Started and Planning
Formerly the American Association of Retired Persons. This link brings you directly to the Caregiving area of the WebSite where you'll find a treasure of information, articles, guidance and more links to keep you informed throughout your caregiving experience. Each state has an AARP office and a separate web section. Don't stop at eldercare. The site has much more to offer. Joining AARP is inexpensive and provides many benefits.
If Alzheimer's or any dementia is part of your parent's medical situation, then this is the second place to stop. Again, every state has a chapter and web section. Training, hints, community...this is a site to bookmark for sure.
Finding Services in Your (or Your Parent's) Local Area
Click the link above, then the green map on the right to find the local agency nearest your parent.
These agencies, funded by state and federal funds, are your source of information for the issues and concerns affecting older people and their caregivers in any US county. Specific services at each agency vary by state, but each agency offers a wide array of programs and service lists to help older residents and their families get the help and information they need.
1-800-677-1116
Supported by the Federal Administration on Aging. A place to begin in identifying sources of help in your parent’s community. The website also provides a tab specifically for caregivers.
A place for dad, grandma and granddad, too. Don't let the address stop you; this is national in scope. By phone or on the website, you will be put in contact with a specialist who lives and serves your geographic area. The company is able to provide free referrals to LTC facilities because many facilities pay for the referral services. The website includes descriptions of housing options and current price range.
Specific Conditions
Many organizations exist to support families of patients with specific illnesses or conditions (cancer, Parkinson's disease, mesothelioma, etc.). Use your web search engine to search for the condition name with "organization", "association" or "society" to find groups specializing in your parent's condition.
Cooperative Extension Services
An often overlooked resource is the Cooperative Extension Service of your State University. Traditionally, these services have been associated with rural communities, but now have a broader outreach. Many Extension Services have a department or section on Eldercare. Look in the "Families" section or for an Extension specialist in Eldercare. Browse the Extension's listings on Family Life or Clothing for more services and information. See an example at the Arkansas Familes; "Health and Nutrition", Aging".
Especially for Caregivers
1609 Woodburne Road, Suite 302A,
Levittown, PA 19057-1151
215-945-6900
1-800-227-7294
A non-profit organization that provides support services to caregivers of older people.
10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
1-800-896-3650
Represents family members who personally handle all care for elderly relatives.
On the website, enter "long-distance" in the search box to find handbooks and resources for long-distance caregiving.
1-866-463-5337
Part of the UnitedHealth Group. For a fee, you can purchase a package of services which connect you with a Personal Care Advocate. The Advocate will help assess your parent's situation and create a customized course of action. Offers complimentary initial consultation.
Professional Assistance
1-800-827-1000
If your elder is a military Veteran, contact the VA to see what benefits are available. See the website under Verterans Services, A-Z Health Topic Finder to reach the "Caregiver" page.
Medicare is a health insurance program administered by the US government that provides hospital and medical insurance for people 65 years of age or over. Medicaid is for those who are financially disadvantaged. This program has only limited coverage for long-term care costs, so it is wise to plan on alternate financial resources.
Administered by the Administration on Aging. Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide information and resources to help you and your family plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs.
If you know of an organization that was particularly helpful to you, let me know and I'll share it on this page.
Don't forget to contact the Employee Assistance Program at work. Many have services specifically for caregivers.
Elder law attorneys may now be certified in this field by the Board of Certification of the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), a non-profit organization founded in 1993, and dedicated to the development and improvement of the professional competence of lawyers in the area of elder law. If you are unable to identify a lawyer through this website, try searching for your State Bar Association and look for the Elderlaw Section.
A professional Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives. The GCM is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to care management, including nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology. This website describes the role of a GMC and provides a list of members.
1604 N. Country Club Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85716-3102
520-881-8008
6336 N. Oracle Rd., Ste. 326, #136,
Tucson, AZ 85704
580-881-1076
1-800-MEDICARE
4720 Montgomery Lane, 2nd Floor
Bethesda, MD 20814
info@caregiving.org
Established in 1996, this is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving. The Alliance conducts research, monitors policy and develops national programs to support caregivers.
See Also...
